Time Was

A rare book dealer in London stumbles upon a mysterious love letter inside a vintage poetry book, launching him into an investigation that spans decades and continents. When he connects with another researcher who shares evidence of the letter writers' existence, they begin to uncover an impossible story. The investigation centers on two men named Tom and Ben, who appear in photographs and historical records from multiple time periods throughout the 20th century - from World War I through the Bosnian War. These appearances, spanning 80 years, show the men barely aging despite the passage of time. The heart of the mystery lies in a network of old bookshops and their carefully preserved copies of a poetry collection called "Time Was," which seem to serve as a communication system across time for the two men. At its core, Time Was explores the persistence of love across time and space, while questioning how technology and human connection intersect in ways both miraculous and tragic.

Readers found the novella's time travel romance concept compelling but struggled with its fragmented narrative style and frequent timeline shifts. Positive reviews highlighted McDonald's poetic prose and the unique framing of the story through documents, letters, and research. Several readers praised the LGBTQ+ elements and the way the historical settings were brought to life. As one Goodreads reviewer noted, "The writing is beautiful and atmospheric, making each time period feel distinct and real." Common criticisms focused on the confusing structure, pacing issues, and difficulty following the multiple timelines. Several readers mentioned having to re-read sections to understand the plot connections. One Amazon reviewer stated, "The constant jumping between periods made it hard to stay invested in the characters." Average Ratings: Goodreads: 3.4/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 3.7/5 (90+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.5/5 (50+ ratings) Most reviews suggest the story requires patience and close attention but rewards careful reading.

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🕰️ The novella's exploration of time travel through old photographs parallels the real-world "time traveling photographer" Nicholas Nixon, who photographed his wife and her sisters annually for 40 years. 📚 Ian McDonald wrote this story originally as a 2,000-word piece for an anthology before expanding it into a novella, published by Tor.com in 2018. ✉️ The book's use of letters and written correspondence as plot devices pays homage to epistolary novels, a genre popularized in the 18th century with works like "Pamela" by Samuel Richardson. ⚔️ The story touches on multiple major conflicts of the 20th century, including WWI, WWII (specifically Nanking), and the Bosnian War (1992-1995), weaving historical accuracy into its science fiction narrative. 🏆 Author Ian McDonald is a multiple award winner, receiving the Locus Award, Philip K. Dick Award, and BSFA Award for various works in his career spanning over three decades.